If you’re looking at purchasing (or upgrading) SQL Server, it’s important to recognize that the pricing structure has changed in a big way. Prices are now determined by Core as opposed to per Server.

Over the years, savvy users have noticed that it’s pretty easy to set up Virtual Servers (multiple instances of SQL Server on one physical machine) and squeeze a lot more value from each machine. After all, a Virtual Server can now often run two or even three separate instances of SQL Server on one machine just as fast as three separate machines! And of course, you’re only paying for one SQL Server license.

Well, Microsoft has wised up. So now, you pay by the Core. This can be more expensive—especially if you are a typical SAFE customer with only one or two servers. If you have more servers, your costs could be cheaper. On the other hand, the CAL fee (the price per desktop license) has been significantly reduced. So for many companies it can be a net wash. As always, our suggestion is to contact your provider to discuss your options.

One final note: If you are using SQL Server Express, you may not think this affects you. But the licensing for Express has also changed. The good news is that databases can now be much bigger: 10gb as opposed to the previous 4gb limit. If you have a number of years of history that could delay your need to go to a paid version of SQL Server for quite some time. On the other hand, the maximum RAM that Express can handle has been reduced to 1gb. So, if you have a particularly RAM thirsty application (like Ollie or ThinSAFE) you may be forced to upgrade, even though your database is well within the new limit.